US-Ukraine relations hit new low over Musk satellite system dispute

US-Ukraine relations have plunged into their deepest crisis since last year's Oval Office clash, triggered by a dispute over who ordered restrictions on Ukraine's military use of Elon Musk's Starshield satellite system, with President Zelensky warning he will resume attacks on Russian oil refineries. The restrictions limited Ukrainian drone speeds and military communications, providing a battlefield advantage to Russia. While Musk blamed the US military, senior US officials denied Trump ordered the curbs, with Reuters reporting the order came from inside the White House. Zelensky called the limits deliberate, though full functionality has since been restored. Trump has criticized Zelensky, saying he is "more difficult to deal with than Putin," and announced a diesel purchase deal from Russia that critics say bolsters Moscow's war machine. The crisis follows warnings that Ukraine has exhausted its Patriot missile supplies, leaving civilians increasingly vulnerable to Russian attacks.